Ivanovic might face FA actions for his clash with James McCarthy

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic kicked off a storm during Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Everton. The Serb seemed to headbutt Everton midfielder James McCarthy before allegedly trying to bite him. Referee John Moss seemed to have missed the incident despite being close by and Ivanovic got away without even getting cautioned. Chelsea beat Everton with a goal in the last minute and managed to retain the seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Moments before Willian’s last minute winner, players from both teams were involved in a melee where Ivanovic got into a clash with Ireland player James McCarthy.

Chelsea and Everton players were involved in a melee late in the game

Ivanovic initially got hold of McCarthy’s throat before trying to aim a headbutt at the Irish international and finally, allegedly tried to bite him. The player was lucky not to have been sent off, but the Football Association might be prompted to take retrospective action.

Ivanovic clearly tries to put a sleeper hold on James McCarthy

The Irish player reportedly felt the Serb’s teeth on his back.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez was upset that Ivanovic stayed on the field after Gareth Barry was sent off moments earlier. He said, "When you look at the images of Ivanovic’s behaviour, that shouldn’t be allowed. First of all, he grabs James McCarthy around his neck in a forceful manner, then he puts his head against him when McCarthy never reacted one single bit. If you want to be fair with the laws, that’s a red card."

After aiming a headbutt at the Irishman, the Serb seemed to want another ‘bite’

Martinez also lamented the home teams conduct in getting Barry red carded. He said, "If you want to analyse that action (before Willian's goal) it’s even more hurtful. Chelsea are one of the best teams in Europe..you just don’t want to see teams winning games in that manner."

Gareth Barry was sent off minutes earlier

Ivanovic was also involved in the move that led to Chelsea’s final minute winner scored by Willian.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho defended his player and threatened to walk out of the post-match conference when quizzed over the incident. He said, "I’m concerned with my reaction because one more question (about this incident) and I will leave and then you are not happy, because I am more concerned with my reaction,"

Incidentally, Ivanovic was infamously bitten by Liverpool’s Luis Suarez in 2013 which earned the Uruguayan a 10 match ban.